Sport tournaments to mark closing of the Golden Jubilee of the OAU/AU
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, May 29, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- To supplement the “Grand” closing ceremony of the year long activities of the 50th anniversary of the OAU/AU (25 May 2013 – 25 May 2014), the African Union Commission conducted series of sports activities that took place from May 22nd 2014 till the final closing ceremony May 25th 2014.
In line with its vision 2063, and with an objective to bring together members of the African Union Commission, diplomatic missions and other international organizations under the values conveyed by sport, the tournament shares a small-scale scheme of the stages of the agenda 2063 until full operationalization. Important notions included participation and inclusion of all stakeholders; putting in place a results-based approach; taking in account Africa's diversity and calling for changes in attitudes, mindsets to inculcate the right set of African values.
The sport activities included Soccer, Volleyball and the Marathon (The Great Run) which was characterized by strong a commitment of the Organisation, tactical skills and discipline. The Nigerian team won the soccer tournament while team dubbed (A2H3) took the Volleyball winning title. Awards ceremony, chaired by Dr. Abdul-Hakim Rajab Elwaer (Director – Human Resources, Science and Technology Department), took place in the presence of Mr. Erastus Mwencha, AUC Deputy Chairperson and Mr. Salah Siddig Hammad, president of the AU Staff Association. Trophies and medals were awarded to the winning teams.
Worth recalling that, the 50th anniversary of the OAU/AU was launched to pay special tribute to the generation of Pan-Africans and the founding fathers of the OAU, who in their wisdom and foresight, laid a solid foundation for the unity and solidarity of Africa. While reflecting on Africa's journey over the last five decades and celebrate the unique role played by the OAU in the liberation of Africa, as well as its invaluable contribution towards the objective of achieving unity in the continent.